Jonathan Davis‘ rise through the 20th Century Fox TV executive ranks continue with another big promotion. The EVP Comedy Development and Animation has been named President, Creative Affairs. In the new post, Davis will oversee four of the studio’s five programming departments: comedy development, drama development, animation and current. Additionally, 20th TV’s SVP drama development Michael Thorn is being named EVP of development, overseeing both comedy and drama development, reporting to Davis. Davis continues to report to 20th TV Chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman. This is the first time 20th TV has had an executive (Davis) with oversight of more than two departments under Walden and Newman and the first to told a president title since Walden and Newman were promoted from presidents to chairmen in 2007. Thorn’s responsibilities of overseeing both drama and comedy development are similar to those former EVP Jennifer Salke, now NBC entertainment president, once had. She also got promoted from running the 20th TV’s drama development but she reported to Walden and Newman. There are no plans to name new heads of comedy and drama. “Jonnie has grown into one of the best executives in our business; his quick thinking, creativity and enthusiasm for the business are undeniable, Walden and Newman said. “Michael is a wonderful creative executive who is both incredibly smart and enormously respected in the community.”

Jonathan Davis joined 20th TV in January, 2008 as SVP, Comedy Development, heading the studio’s comedy department. He was quickly promoted to EVP Comedy, and in 2012, he was named EVP, Comedy and Animation Development, adding oversight of animation. He is now also taking charge of drama development and current programming, with casting remaining the only creative department to report directly to Walden and Newman. Series Davis has developed include Modern Family, New Girl, Raising Hope, this season’s The Crazy Ones, Dads, Enlisted and Friends With Better Lives as well as next fall’s animated comedy Bordertown. Thorn has been running 20th TV’s drama development for the past four years. He recently developed Fox’s breakout series Sleepy Hollow and the upcoming Gang Related, Mind Games and Crisis.

8 Comments

JD has a skill set increasingly rare in the exec ranks. Loyalty. If he believes in you, that doesn’t waver. He doesn’t wait for others to tell him his opinion.

Oil Man • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

Wise choice. Now maybe they can start making some dough outside of James Cameron and X-Men movie

matt • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

Thorn is the best executive I know. Great guy. Smart.

babybruck • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

Jonathan referred to me and my writing partner (after we pitched him) as “nobodies”. It was genuine. He did love the pitch though. Kudos to JD.

Martin • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

When it comes to executives, Jonnie Davis is top shelf. Congratulations!

g-man • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

JD has that look that is promoted a lot at News Corp/20th/Fox. It is a look many people of color don’t have.

Polly • on Feb 4, 2014 11:00 am

One of my favorite Hollywood moments was during a network table reading of a pilot. I look over at JD, and he is mouthing along with the script, laughing at everything. He seemed more excited than anyone in the room. Show business is hard, so passion and excitement can help you get through it.